{"id":2855,"date":"2026-04-19T07:04:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T07:04:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cheapfareguru.com\/fly-away\/?p=2855"},"modified":"2026-04-16T07:04:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T07:04:56","slug":"southwest_airlines_no_change_fees_companion_pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cheapfareguru.com\/fly-away\/southwest_airlines_no_change_fees_companion_pass\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwest Airlines: No Change Fees and the Legendary Companion Pass"},"content":{"rendered":"

Key Reasons Southwest Airlines Stands Out<\/h2>\n
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Photo credit: Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Southwest Airlines has built a loyal following among budget travelers for a few standout reasons. First, their no change fee policy is a huge relief when plans shift unexpectedly. Unlike most major airlines, Southwest lets you modify or cancel your flight without the usual penalty\u2014just pay any fare difference. I\u2019ve found this flexibility especially helpful when my travel dates weren\u2019t set in stone, making trip planning a lot less stressful.<\/p>\n

Another major perk: Southwest allows two free checked bags per passenger. While most airlines now charge about $35.00 for the first checked bag, Southwest\u2019s baggage policy can save a family or group a significant amount on each trip. Flexible bookings are also standard\u2014if you need to cancel, you\u2019ll usually receive credit for future travel instead of losing your money outright.<\/p>\n

The Companion Pass is perhaps Southwest\u2019s most unique feature. If you qualify, you can choose one person to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees every time you book a flight\u2014no blackout dates. This is rare among U.S. airlines and can double your travel value, especially for frequent flyers or couples.<\/p>\n

By comparison, most major airlines charge change fees, limit free checked bags, and rarely offer anything like the Companion Pass. These policies make Southwest a top pick for travelers who value both savings and flexibility.<\/p>\n

For the latest details on Southwest\u2019s baggage and fee rules, it\u2019s smart to check their official policy page<\/a> before you book. If you want to see how Southwest stacks up against other airlines, I suggest reading our Best Airlines for Budget Travelers<\/a> article for more comparisons.<\/p>\n

Quick Tip:<\/strong> Always review Southwest\u2019s current policies before booking\u2014flexible rules are a big advantage, but they can change over time.<\/div>\n

Comparing Southwest Fare Options Clearly<\/h2>\n
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Southwest Airlines keeps things simple with three main fare types: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Each one offers a different balance of savings, flexibility, and perks. Here\u2019s a breakdown to help you decide which fits your travel style.<\/p>\n

Wanna Get Away Fares<\/h3>\n

These are Southwest\u2019s lowest fares, and in my experience, they\u2019re the ones I book most often when I want to save. Wanna Get Away tickets are non-refundable, but you can still cancel and use the funds toward a future flight. You\u2019ll earn fewer Rapid Rewards points, and boarding priority is standard, but if you\u2019re flexible with dates, these fares are tough to beat.<\/p>\n

Anytime Fares Explained<\/h3>\n

Anytime fares cost more, but they\u2019re fully refundable to your original payment method. You\u2019ll also earn more Rapid Rewards points per dollar and enjoy priority boarding ahead of Wanna Get Away passengers. If you think your plans might change, or if you want a bit more peace of mind, this is a solid middle ground.<\/p>\n

Business Select Benefits<\/h3>\n

Business Select is Southwest\u2019s top-tier option, offering the most flexibility and perks. You get fully refundable tickets, the highest points earning rate, and guaranteed A1\u2013A15 boarding (so you\u2019ll pick your seat early). This fare also includes a complimentary premium drink. I\u2019d only pick this if early boarding or last-minute changes are critical for your trip.<\/p>\n

Which Fare Should You Choose?<\/h3>\n

If your main goal is to save, I usually recommend Wanna Get Away fares\u2014especially if you can be flexible with your travel dates. For travelers who need flexibility or anticipate changes, Anytime or Business Select fares might be worth the extra cost. If you want more tips on how to make the most of flexible dates, check out our guide on How To Find Cheap Flights With Flexible Dates<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Quick Tip:<\/strong> For most trips, booking a Wanna Get Away fare early or with flexible dates offers the best savings potential.<\/div>\n

How No Change Fees Really Work<\/h2>\n
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Southwest is famous for its \u201cno change fees\u201d policy, but there are a few key details every traveler should know before relying on that flexibility. Here\u2019s how it actually works when you need to change or cancel a Southwest flight, plus what happens with your money after you rebook.<\/p>\n

Changing or Canceling Step-by-Step<\/h3>\n

Changing or canceling a Southwest reservation is straightforward. Log in to your account, select your trip, and choose \u201cChange\u201d or \u201cCancel.\u201d You can adjust dates, times, or even destinations. In my experience, making a last-minute change on Southwest is much less stressful than with most other airlines, but you still need to watch out for fare differences.<\/p>\n

Fare Differences: What to Expect<\/h3>\n

Even though there\u2019s no change fee, you\u2019ll still pay the difference if your new flight costs more. If your new flight is less expensive, Southwest issues a flight credit for the leftover amount. Unlike some airlines that add hefty rebooking fees, Southwest keeps it simple\u2014just pay the fare difference, or get a credit if you\u2019re downgrading.<\/p>\n

How Flight Credits Work<\/h3>\n

Credits from canceled or changed flights are typically valid for 12 months from the original booking date. You can use these credits for future Southwest flights, but if you forget about them, they\u2019ll expire unused. I once lost out on a credit because I missed the expiration window, so now I always set a reminder.<\/p>\n

Common Pitfalls and Tips<\/h3>\n